If only he knew I had nothing left worth smiling for, and right now, I’m going through the motions.
“What’s there to smile about? It’s just the same shit, different day of the week,” I grumble, and he rolls his eyes.
“Well, aren’t you a ray of fucking sunshine today.”
“Here to brighten your day, Marco.” I laugh as I tie my apron at the waist.
The door opens, and Jodie makes her way in.
“Careful, Jodie, someone’s gotten out the wrong side of bed today,” Marco jokes. I shake my head, grinning as I reach for a bottle of water from the staff fridge.
“Nah, our Bella is misunderstood,” she teases, removing her coat. “She just needs a good shag.”
I spit out my water in surprise.
Marco and Jodie have been working together for a number of years, whereas I’m a new addition to the team and not used to their bluntness.
I scoff. “Not a chance. Me and men are over for good.”
Marco arches a brow. “We could find you a good woman.”
“And who said anything about a relationship? Just fuck ‘em and chuck ‘em,” Jodie adds.
“You two pains are hard work at this time of the morning. I’m going to get some actual work done.”
“Fuck me, who is this woman and what have they done with Bella?” Marco asks sarcastically, winking in my direction.
It’s been a busy day, and I’ve appreciated the reprieve from the thoughts running through my head. Working a shift with Marco and Jodie has actually been refreshing and most definitely needed. They can be overbearing at times, but their positive energy is infectious. I’ve never been one for friendships. When I got with Liam, I was young. We’d been childhood sweethearts, and I assumed that would last the rest of my life.
I left behind my friendships, and every waking moment was spent with him, or being a mum to my boys. So, when I discovered he was seeing another woman after eighteen years of being together, my whole world caved in. I had no one because I had invested everything into our relationship. I didn’t even know who to be without him.
When I landed this job, it felt as though I was learning how to make friends all over again. I was never any good at it back then either, often finding it hard work. My social battery runs down pretty quick these days.
“Jodie, I’m heading out back for a break,” I call, and she nods in acknowledgement whilst serving a customer.
Five minutes later, she pops her head around the door.
“There’s someone asking for you.”
I glance up in surprise. “Me?”
My first thought is it’s something to do with Liam. I wouldn’t put it past Imogen to tell him I’d followed her the other day or showed up to where she was on purpose. I groan, the last thing I need is a kick-off at my workplace.
I stand, wiping my sweaty palms down my apron and follow her inside, surprised to see Clay standing there. Relief hits me,thankful it’s not Liam. I release a shuddering breath and force a smile as I approach.
“I thought you were going to call me?” he asks, his tone light and teasing.
“Sorry, but there’s one minor problem . . . I don’t have a phone.” I feel my face flush with embarrassment, wondering if he realises I dropped it the night he saved me.
“Pah, excuses.”
“Erm . . .” I pick at some imaginary lint on my apron, trying to give myself enough time to think of another reason to put him off. He really doesn’t realise that I’m not worth his time.
He places his hand over mine to stop me fidgeting. “I’m joking. Please don’t take what I say to heart.”
I smile and look at his hand over mine, noting how large it is. He pulls away quickly.
“God I’m sorry,” he apologises, like he’s only just realised he was touching me. “Listen, I want to be there for you, but there’s zero pressure.”
